Step 1

Soak the Beans:Soaking the beans is optimal for a shortened cooking time. Starting with un-soaked beans adds an additional 4-6 hours to the slow cook time. This increases the cooking time from 5 - 6 hours to about 10 - 12 hours. [See Note 1]Overnight soak - Place beans in a large bowl and cover with water. The water should reach at least 2 inches over the top of the beans. Allow to soak overnight or at least 8 hours. Retain the soaking liquid for cooking.Quick Soak - For a quick soak, pour the dry beans into a pot and cover the beans with cold water. Place the pan on the stove over medium-high heat and bring to a boil. Once the water boils, turn off the stove, and allow the beans to soak in the hot water for 1.5 hours. Retain the soaking liquid for cooking.Make sure the water level is at least 2 or 3 inches above the bean level to allow for absorption. Reserving the soaking liquid [See Note 8], drain beans in a colander and remove any debris, discolored beans or empty shells. Soaking overnight greatly reduces the cooking time required.

Step 2

Prepare the Beans in either a crock, Dutch oven, or Slow Cooker insert:Score the salt pork 1/4 inch deep 1 inch apart, and slice into two even pieces. Transfer to the bottom of the cooking vessel.Combine molasses, mustard, brown sugar, salt, pepper, onions and 5 cups soaking liquid. Add the pre-soaked beans. Pour the molasses mixture over beans, stir, and cover. The liquid should cover the beans by 1/2 inch. Add more water if necessary.

Step 3

By Dutch oven or Clay Beanpot: Preheat oven to 300 degrees F.Transfer beans into the Dutch oven or Clay Bean pot and bake covered until the beans are tender and the liquid has thickened - about 6 hours. Check the beans every 45 minutes, adding more hot water if necessary to keep beans in broth at all times. For the last 50 to 60 minutes of cooking, uncover the beans to thicken the sauce. At this stage, if you are having hot dogs or sausages with your beans, you can add them into the pot to heat inside with the beans, optional. Once the beans are to your desired tenderness, remove from oven, adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and molasses, if necessary. Since Navy beans are relatively high in starch, the sauce will thicken slightly as it cools. If the beans do not thicken enough, See Recipe Note 9 for thickening the beans. If the beans become too thick, add a splash or water of chicken stock and thin to desired consistency.

Step 4

By Slow Cooker: Soak the beans overnight and drain per step Add all the ingredients into the slow cooker and stir to combine per Recipe Steps 3 & Cover and cook on LOW for 8 to 10 hours or HIGH 5-6 hours, stirring occasionally and checking for tenderness. Taste and adjust molasses, salt, and other seasonings. The sauce will thicken as it cools. If the beans do not thicken enough, See Recipe Note 9 for thickening the beans.If the beans become too thick, add a splash of water of chicken stock and thin to desired consistency.